Ever had a tummy problem that just won’t go away? If you have been experiencing loose motion or constipation for more than 2 weeks, then there is a possibility of it being an intestinal issue. Leaky gut or increased intestinal permeability is a one of those possibilities.
What is leaky gut?
Leaky gut is named so because sometimes the permeability of the intestinal walls becomes more and toxins and bacteria can literally “leak” or “seep” out into the area outside the intestine and into the bloodstream. If left unchecked, not only will the patient experience immense inflammation and pain but it can also lead to a number of chronic diseases like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome and even type 1 diabetes or lupus. The connection of leaky gut and autoimmune diseases like the ones mentioned above and others like multiple sclerosis has not been established completely but studies are being conducted currently.
What are the symptoms of leaky gut?
- Extreme fatigue
- Depression
- Joint pain
- Sugar or carbohydrate craving at all hours
- Rashes on the skin which may sometimes be just acne or sometimes as serious ones too like rosacea or eczema.
If you experience three or more of these symptoms over a period of 2 weeks, with no relief, it’s time to see the doctor. There are ways to counter the condition and with proper guidance, medication, health supplements and change in diet, you can overcome leaky gut in less than 3 months.
Steps to fix leaky gut-
Apart from following the medication which your doctor prescribes you should also turn to some health supplements like Relief Factor which also helps control the pain. You can speak directly to Relief Factor staff to know more about their products and their results.
What you eat will impact a lot on your condition. You have to cut out a few items and add some new ones and also make some lifestyle.
Tips to fix leaky gut-
- Cut out gluten, all forms of caffeine and dairy, and alcohol from your meals
- Reduce or try and completely quit smoking
- Include more collagen in your diet
- Have a good 7 to 8-hour sleep cycle
- Don’t allow yourself to overstress
- Include more cardio in your daily exercise or workout routine
- Digestive enzymes and pro-biotics can help a lot to bring your intestinal flora back to normal in number and function.
- Include good fats like fish oil, avocado, coconut oil and flax oil in your diet. These also help in restoring the healthy bacteria in your gut
- L-glutamine is an amino acid which helps in healing soft tissues in the body-intestinal walls being one of them-
- Have 8-10 glasses of water daily.
The aim is to remove food which is toxic to your already sensitive gut and include foods and supplements which can help improve the integrity of your gut.
We all face leaky gut of some level at any point of our life. The intestinal wall is not completely impenetrable. So, some amount of “leakage” is alright and it is self-healing. Only when you feel extreme fatigue, tummy inflammation and pain; experience foggy memory, constant headache, joint pain and some other symptoms which refuse to go away, it is a good possibility that you’re suffering from this condition. Get yourself tested, get your supplements and medication and turn around your life with these tips today.
Jane Castro is a journalist and media enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Bacolod in the Philippines. She loves skating, scuba diving, and archery on her free time.